Related Stories

The head of the union representing Ontario liquor store workers is preparing for the worst but hoping for the best as Monday’s 12:01 a.m. strike deadline approaches.

“All I heard (Wednesday) is that they’re still exchanging proposals back and forth so that’s a good sign,” Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) president Warren “Smokey” Thomas said late Wednesday afternoon.

Thomas made the comments as he and OPSEU’s first vice-president/treasurer Eduardo “Eddy” Almeida, with the help of OPSEU members, will open the union’s Toronto strike headquarters in a trailer at noon on Thursday - directly across from the LCBO head office on Freeland Street.

That move in itself is not unusual, said Thomas.

“(It’s to) show the employer we’re ready,” said Thomas. “We hope we don’t have to use it. But it’s not an unusual step. At times we’ll put up strike trailers ahead of the deadline. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

The trailer itself is where the picketers would operate from, he said, providing shelter in case of bad weather.

Thomas said the main sticking points in reaching a deal with the LCBO remain “quality of life stuff, schedules.”

OPSEU represents more than 7,000 workers at the LCBO.

In its most recent online update to customers, the LCBO encouraged people to shop early to avoid long lineups prior to a potential strike with select stores offering extended hours (9 a.m. until as late as 11 p.m.) between Thursday and Saturday.

Pride celebrations in Toronto will also be accommodated with some downtown stores open from 9 a.m. until as late as 11 p.m. on Sunday, the day of the Pride Parade.